Dear Parents,

I hope that all Mum’s had a lovely Mother’s Day on Sunday and that you were very spoilt by your children.  It is a great opportunity to stop and reflect as families on how important our Mums are in our lives and all the wonderful things they do for us.

The children in Grades 3 & 5 completed their NAPLAN testing this week.  It was pleasing to see the students giving their best effort. Thanks to all of the staff who were involved in the coordination.  Results will be made available to parents as soon as we receive them at school.

It is nice to be back after my Long Service Leave.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank Meg Escalante and Anna Viney for the excellent job they performed as Acting Principals in my absence.  It is very comforting to be able to go away and know that the school is in such capable hands.

Car Parking –THE AVENUE- Important Information

As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, The Avenue car park continues to be a source of frustration for many parents. I ask ALL parents to please obey the NO RIGHT TURN sign that is located at the exit to The Avenue car park. Parents turning right are creating unnecessary congestion and causing frustration for others doing the right thing. I ask please for everyone to be considerate during the busy morning and afternoon peak times.

We ask parents to be good role models to their children and to display common sense and safety when moving through the car parks both at the beginning and end of the day.

School Assemblies-Friday 2.30-3.00pm PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME

A reminder that due to COVID restrictions assemblies are available for parents to access online. Please click on the link for this weeks Assembly  Click to Join

2022 Foundation (Prep) Tours

We are currently taking Foundation enrolments and running 2022 Foundation (Prep) Tours by appointment.  If you know of anyone considering St Pat’s for their child please ask them to call the school Office on 5943-9000 and book a tour.

Second-Hand Uniform Shop

Due to COVID the processes for the Second-Hand Uniform Shop are currently being reviewed. We will inform parents the new procedures and times of operation as soon it is finalised.

Parents and Friends AGM – Wednesday the 19^th at 9.00am

The P&F AGM will be held on Wednesday the 19^th at 9.00am in the Parish Meeting Room.  All are welcome to attend.

Fete Meeting – Tuesday the 18^th May 7.30pm

Our Fete is planned for Friday the 5^th of November.  The first meeting for the committee will be an online meeting for anyone interested in helping at 7.30pm next Tuesday, the 18^th.  The link for the meeting is Click to Join  

Equipment from Home

Please note that there is an ample amount of sports equipment provided at school so we ask that students do not bring equipment or toys from home. Having students only use the equipment provided at school ensures that we can adhere to COVID safe cleaning requirements.

COVID Procedures

I remind parents that the following procedures are in place for the safety of all;

• Masks are not required to be worn by parents at all times when in the school, only in situations where you are unable to social distance.
• Parents wishing to come into the grounds to drop off or collect their children must scan the QR code on the way in and wait out the front of the classroom. Please do not enter the rooms and social distance whilst waiting.  You must limit your visit to less than 15 minutes, gates open at 3pm at the end of the day.
• Parents waiting for children in the pick-up lines need to ensure that their children know which carpark to go to.
• If you do park your car you must walk over and collect your child. Please do not call for your children to walk across to your car unaccompanied. 
• Meetings with staff are by appointment only. Any parent that is going to be in the school for more than 15 minutes needs to sign on and complete the COVID form at the Office.
• Please communicate with staff via phone or email.
• The Office is open if required, however, please observe the density limits (maximum of 6 people). It is preferable to phone or email if possible rather than come to the Office.
• Extra cleaning and hand hygiene remain in place.
• Please do not send food items to share with others when it is your child’s birthday as they cannot be handed out.
• If your child is sick, or displaying symptoms, please keep them at home. Children that present as sick or displaying symptoms at school will be sent home and asked to obtain a medical clearance or negative COVID test before they return to school. 
• Bubble taps are operational at school.

Important Dates for Your Diary 

• First Communion Masses will run each weekend in May.

• Wednesday 26th May, Grade 5 Excursion - Philip Island 

• Friday 28th May, Grade 4 Excursion - Melbourne Museum 

• Thursday 10^th-Friday 11^th June Grade 3 camp

• Monday 14^thJune – Queens Birthday. No school.

• Friday 25^thJune – Term Two concludes / Reports distributed.

Camp Dates 2021

• Year 3 – 10^th– 11^th June Camp CYC Adanac, Yarra Junction.
• Year 4 – 14^th– 16^th July CYC The Island, Phillip Island.
• Year 5 – 4^th- 6^thAugust Sovereign Hill, Ballarat.
• Year 6 – 15^th– 19^th November Lady Northcote Camp, Glenmore.

Fees

2021 Fees have now been distributed to all families.  Included in these fee statements are the camp levies.  Please contact Fil at office@stppakenham.catholic.edu if you have any issues or concerns.

Regards,

Simon